Words
Anne Sexton
|
Be careful of words, |
|
even the miraculous ones. |
|
For the miraculous we do our best, |
|
sometimes they swarm like insects |
|
and leave not a sting but a kiss. |
|
They can be as good as fingers. |
|
They can be as trusty as the rock |
|
you stick your bottom on. |
|
But they can be both daisies and bruises. |
|
Yet I am in love with words. |
|
They are doves falling out of the ceiling. |
|
They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap. |
|
They are the trees, the legs of summer, |
|
and the sun, its passionate face. |
|
Yet often they fail me. |
|
I have so much I want to say, |
|
so many stories, images, proverbs, etc. |
|
But the words aren't good enough, |
|
the wrong ones kiss me. |
|
Sometimes I fly like an eagle |
|
but with the wings of a wren. |
|
But I try to take care |
|
and be gentle to them. |
|
Words and eggs must be handled with care. |
|
Once broken they are impossible |
|
things to repair. |
